It is known by the name of Primitive Path the Camino de Santiago that originates in Oviedo and connects with the Camino Frances in Melide. The name "primitive" is due to the fact that this is the first path for which there are historical references; King Alfonso II of Asturias and his entourage left Oviedo, in the 9th century, to visit the tomb of the Apostle Santiago, discovered a few years ago. The documented itinerary of that first pilgrimage and the current one are quite coincident.
One of the main characteristics of this path, compared to the other Caminos de Santiago, is the hardness of the route. From Oviedo to Lugo is a typical medium mountain route. Except for the descent to the Salime reservoir and the climb to Puerto del Palo, there are no large slopes to overcome in one go. However, the road is a continuous up and down, with a succession of all types of roads: trails, paths, dirt tracks (it is easy to find muddy sections), stony or loose stone roads, and asphalt tracks. Therefore, a minimum of physical preparation is necessary to face the challenge with guarantees. Fortunately, the distribution of the hostels along the route allows, for those who are somewhat slower or less prepared, to complete the entire route without having to complete any excessively long stages. In winter it must be downright complicated to do this route, among other reasons because a good part of the route is above eight hundred meters of altitude.
Other of the most outstanding characteristics of the Primitive Way, undoubtedly related to the previous one, is the beauty of the environment and landscape. The road crosses dozens of forests, rivers, streams, grazing meadows (with cattle), valleys, hills, mountains, villages... and the landscapes, especially in the Asturian section, are fabulous. We also see numerous horses, some wild. In addition, most of the route takes place in the middle of nature and, fortunately, there is almost no contact with roads with heavy traffic.
Unfortunately, in recent years the construction of the Oviedo – La Espina highway, the A-63, has seriously and irreversibly affected several sections, some of which were beautiful, of the first three stages. Furthermore, construction is very slow (only the first 30 km have been put into operation), and in mid-2012 the works have almost stopped.
Along the way we find numerous sources of good water (be careful, except in the Ruta de los Hospitales variant), every few kilometers, so it is not necessary to carry a lot of water. In the hottest season, it is advisable, of course, to be proactive.
FOUNTAIN: GRONZE
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